U.S. Morgan Dollars (1878-1904, 1921)

U.S. Morgan Dollars (1878-1904, 1921)

Having been produced between 1878 and 1904, and again in 1921, the U.S. Morgan silver dollar is one of the most popular collector coins. The coin’s mostly silver composition (90% silver / 10% copper) accounts for its rarity today. Authorized by the Pittman Act of 1918, over 270 million Morgan dollars were melted down for silver bullion to achieve various economic, trade, and foreign policy goals. The coin bears the name of its designer, George T. Morgan, who moved from England to the U.S. and became a chief engraver at the U.S. Mint. The obverse of the Morgan dollar features Lady Liberty with flowing hair, wearing a cap and a ribbon with the word “LIBERTY.” The coin’s reverse features an American eagle facing right, with its wings outstretched. Its claws hold arrows symbolizing war and an olive branch symbolizing peace. The Morgan dollar was produced in Philadelphia, Denver, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Carson City. Some of the most valuable Morgan coins include the 1879-CC, 1889-CC, 1892-S, 1893-S, 1893-CC, 1894-P, 1895-P, 1895-O, 1895-S, and 1903-S.